Salmonellosis is a pet health condition that is caused by a bacterium called salmonella, and it can be found in many different sources. This disease can occur in dogs, cats and even humans. There are two forms of salmonellosis, and they are typhoid and non-typhoid. While humans can be vulnerable to both types, pets are only affected by the non-typhoid type.
How Salmonella Affects Your Pet
In many cases, salmonella in dogs and cats does not cause any signs of disease. However, it is essential to note that even if your pet does not become ill, it can shed the bacteria through its feces. If your dog or cat does become ill with salmonellosis though, it can lead to various disorders including shock, dehydration, septicemia, endotoxemia, gastroenteritis and spontaneous abortions.
Common Symptoms of Salmonella
As stated above, in many cases, dogs and cats many not even show any signs of disease when exposed to salmonella. However, there are times that they will, and when they do, it can be quite serious. If your pet happens to exhibit any of the following symptoms, be sure to take it to your veterinarian right away. Common Symptoms of Salmonella Infections in Pets: Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea/Vomiting, Mucus or Blood in Stools, Loss of Appetite/Weight Loss, Dehydration, Fever, Shock, Vaginal Discharge, Spontaneous Abortions, Depression/Lethargy, Skin Disease, Abnormal Heart Rate and Swollen Lymph Nodes.
Treatments for Salmonella
In most cases, outpatient treatment is all that is necessary for salmonella in cats or dogs. However, if your pet has developed a severe case of salmonellosis or sepsis, hospitalization may be required. This is especially true for young animals that have become severely dehydrated. If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian will concentrate on replacing fluid and lost electrolytes. Additionally, in severe cases, plasma or blood transfusions will be necessary. Medications that may be prescribed for your pet include antimicrobials and glucocorticoids.
Breeds Affected
Salmonella infections can develop in dogs, cats and humans. Furthermore, there are in excess of 2,000 types of salmonella. As such, there is a variety of things that can cause the infection. However, there are some conditions that can leave your dog or cat more vulnerable to this pet health condition than other animals, and they are as follows: underdeveloped or compromised immune systems, immature gastrointestinal tracts, pets receiving antibiotic therapy, infected pig ear dog treats, raw diets and infected commercial pet food or treats.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
